Abstract: X-ray images are produced on a monitor display screen by situating the subject between a detector having a minute x-ray sensitive area and an x-ray source having an extensive anode plate on which an x-ray origin point is swept in a raster pattern similar to the raster of the display monitor. Operating parameters of the x-ray source are controlled by digital data processing circuits which enable magnification of operator selected areas of the image by reducing the size of x-ray source raster pattern and repositioning of the raster pattern on the anode plate in response to operator actuation of one or more computer input devices. In the preferred form, the system also enables image enhancements and control of image characteristics such as contrast and brightness in response to actuations of the input devices or in response to programming. X-ray exposure and image acquisition time may be reduced by operator selection of only specific areas of particular interest for high resolution scanning.

Abstract: X-ray images are produced on a monitor display screen by situating the subject between a detector having a minute x-ray sensitive area and an x-ray source having an extensive anode plate on which an x-ray origin point is swept in a raster pattern similar to the raster of the display monitor. Operating parameters of the x-ray source are controlled by digital data processing circuits which enable magnification of operator selected areas of the image by reducing the size of x-ray source raster pattern and repositioning of the raster pattern on the anode plate in response to operator actuation of one or more computer input devices. In the preferred form, the system also enables image enhancements and control of image characteristics such as contrast and brightness in response to actuations of the input devices or in response to programming. X-ray exposure and image acquisition time may be reduced by operator selection of only specific areas of particular interest for high resolution scanning.

Abstract: X-ray examination of objects, which may be very large objects such as aircraft, boat hulls or lengthy pipelines, is accomplished with an x-ray source having a moving x-ray origin point that is scanned in a raster pattern. At least one x-ray detector having a very small x-ray sensitive area is disposed behind or within the object and provides an output signal indicative of internal characteristics of an adjacent region of the object. The source and detector undergo relative travel at least in a lateral direction during the examination to provide a sequence of different x-ray views that may include views of successive regions of the object, views from different angles and stereo views. X-ray images are produced at one or more monitor screens by sweeping a point of light in a raster pattern corresponding to that of the x-ray source while modulating the intensity of the point of light in accordance with the output signal of the detector.

Abstract: Tomographic or sectional X-ray images (46) of a subject (32) are obtained rapidly by a method and apparatus that do not inherently require motion of the X-ray source (12) and detectors (13) or motion of the subject in order to generate the tomographic image data. In the source, a charged particle beam (17) is directed to a broad target plate (18) and raster scanned to produce a moving X-ray origin point (19). X-ray count values are obtained at a plurality of spaced apart detection points (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7) situated at the opposite side of the subject from the source. Successive count values from a first detection point are combined with successive count values from at least one other detection point that originated at a later time in the course of the raster scan to provide a sequence of composite data values.

Abstract: The distribution of one or more chemical elements within an object is detected by directing primary x-rays to successive points along a scan path on the object and by analyzing the energies of fluorescent x-rays emitted from the successive points to identify characteristic x-rays of the element. In the preferred form, a moving primary x-ray origin point is established by sweeping an electron beam along a broad target plate in a raster pattern corresponding to the desired scan path on the object. A collimator between the target plate and the object has x-ray transmissive zones alternated with x-ray absorbent zones to assure that primary x-rays from the moving origin point reach only corresponding successive points on the object. High precision with a minimum of structural complication is realized by scanning electronically rather than with a mechanical system.

Abstract: A collimator (21, 38, 38A) transmits intercepted X rays or the like along an array of predetermined spaced apart paths (22, 22A), which may be parallel or convergent, while absorbing intercepted radiation which is traveling in other directions. A laminated construction of the collimator provides for an extremely large number of very minute and closely spaced radiation passages (42, 42A) which may have a noncircular cross section to increase transmissivity. The laminated construction also reduces the amount of heavy and sometimes costly radiation absorbent material required in the collimator, enables precise control of the transmitted radiation paths and facilitates the establishing of a desired focal point for the paths. Photoetching techniques, including optical image reduction, are used in the manufacture of the collimator laminations. In some variations of the method, the radiation absorbent material is plated onto the laminations.

Abstract: Visual display of dental, medical or other radiographic images is realized with an X-ray tube in which an electron beam is scanned through an X-Y raster pattern on a broad anode plate, the scanning being synchronized with the X-Y sweep signals of a cathode ray tube display and the intensity signal for the display being derived from a small X-ray detector which receives X-rays that have passed through the subject to be imaged. Positioning and support of the detector are provided for by disposing the detector in a probe which may be attached to the X-ray tube at any of a plurality of different locations and by providing a plurality of such probes of different configuration in order to change focal length, to accommodate to different detector placements relative to the subject, to enhance patient comfort and to enable production of both periapical images and wider angle pantomographic images.

Abstract: Visual display of dental, medical or other radiographic images is realized with an X-ray tube in which an electron beam is scanned through an X-Y raster pattern on a broad anode plate, the scanning being synchronized with the X-Y sweep signals of a cathode ray tube display and the intensity signal for the display being derived from a small X-ray detector which receives X-rays that have passed through the subject to be imaged. Positioning and support of the detector are provided for by disposing the detector in a probe which may be attached to the X-ray tube at any of a plurality of different locations and by providing a plurality of such probes of different configuration in order to change focal length, to accommodate to different detector placements relative to the subject, to enhance patient comfort and to enable production of both periapical images and wider angle pantomographic images.

Abstract: A collimator (21, 38, 38A) transmits intercepted X rays or the like along an array of predetermined spaced apart paths (22, 22A), which may be parallel or convergent, while absorbing intercepted radiation which is traveling in other directions. A laminated construction of the collimator provides for an extremely large number of very minute and closely spaced radiation passages (42, 42A) which may have a noncircular cross section to increase transmissivity. The laminated construction also reduces the amount of heavy and sometimes costly radiation absorbent material required in the collimator, enables precise control of the transmitted radiation paths and facilitates the establishing of a desired focal point for the paths. Photoetching techniques, including optical image reduction, are used in the manufacture of the collimator laminations. In some variations of the method, the radiation absorbent material is plated onto the laminations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing X-rays having any selected one of a plurality of specific different wavelength spectra greatly facilitates X-ray fluorescence analysis of samples to detect constituent elements. In the X-ray source, an electron beam is directed to any selectable one of an array of primary targets of different composition. X-rays from the selected primary target may be utilized directly or caused to impinge on any selected one of a plurality of secondary targets, which are also each of differing composition to cause the secondary target to emit a specific X-ray spectrum characteristic of that secondary target. Analysis of the X-ray fluorescence from a sample irradiated by a plurality of different specific selected X-ray spectra enables identification and measurement of particular chemical elements in the sample.

Abstract: Radiographic images are produced by situating a subject (13) between a scanning x-ray source (16) and an x-ray detector (14) to produce electrical signals indicative of variations of x-ray transmissivity in different regions of the subject (13). A signal processing system (11) enables simultaneous display of a plurality of visible images at a plurality of display devices (52 to 55) with each image emphasizing a different aspect of the information generated by a given scanning of the subject. A feedback circuit (68) from the detector (14) to the x-ray source (16) maintains the average level of the detector signal constant while allowing short term fluctuations so that only abrupt or brief changes of x-ray transmissivity in the subject are visible in a first image at a first display device (52).

Abstract: Examination of dental patients or other subjects (14) with a radiographic system (11) having a scanning X-ray source (17) and a collimator (58) with a plurality of passages (62) for directing X rays to a detector (51) is facilitated by an image region selector (12) which is separate from the source. The selector (12) includes the detector (51) and means (64) defining the collimator position at which the collimator passages (62) are directed towards the detector (51). The selector (12) may be positioned and independently supported, to establish the region to be imaged, prior to the time that the relatively heavy and bulky X-ray source (17) is maneuvered into position for making the examination.

Abstract: Visual display of dental, medical or other radiographic images is realized with an X-ray tube in which an electron beam is scanned through an X-Y raster pattern on a broad anode plate, the scanning being synchronized with the X-Y sweep signals of a cathode ray tube display and the intensity signal for the display being derived from a small X-ray detector which receives X-rays that have passed through the subject to be imaged. Positioning and support of the detector are provided for by disposing the detector in a probe which may be attached to the X-ray tube at any of a plurality of different locations and by providing a plurality of such probes of different configuration in order to change focal length, to accommodate to different detector placements relative to the subject, to enhance patient comfort and to enable production of both periapical images and wider angle pantomographic images.

Abstract: A plurality of radiographic images of a subject are obtained simultaneously by situating the subject between a scanning X-ray source and an X-ray detector. The source has an electron beam which is swept through a raster pattern on a broad target to produce a moving X-ray origin point while the detector has an effective radiation-sensitive area which is very small in relation to the raster pattern. The X-axis and Y-axis beam deflection signals which control the X-ray source are also transmitted to both sets of raster signal terminals of a dual-image oscilloscope of the form having two deflectable electron beams for producing two separate images at a display screen. Both intensity signal terminals of the oscilloscope receive processed X-ray count signals from the detector through separate signal channels so that a pair of radiographic images of the scanned region of the subject are generated at the display screen.

Abstract: Cross-sectional or oblique sectional tomographic X-ray images of a subject are obtained more quickly, easily and economically and with less cumbersome apparatus by utilizing an X-ray source in which a moving point source of X-rays is produced by sweeping an electron beam across a broad anode plate. One or more relatively small X-ray detectors are situated on the opposite side of the subject to produce X-ray counts in the course of the scanning action, the counts being indicative of variations of X-ray transmissiveness within a plane extending crosswise or obliquely through the subject. By repetitively shifting the angular relationship of the subject relative to the X-ray source and detector structure and repeating the scanning process between each such angular movement, data is obtained which is used to generate a visible cross-sectional image of the subject.

Abstract: An X-ray tube whose output may be measured and controlled through the grid-cathode combination is disclosed. Additionally, a method of an apparatus for controlling the X-ray production from the anode of such an X-ray tube over a known interval of time, either in steady state or pulse mode operation, is disclosed in this application. In a preferred form, the cathode of an X-ray tube is operated at a high negative potential so that the anode, including at least one target, may be operated near ground potential. Actual return current flow from the anode to the cathode is detected and used to control the control grid or cathode to produce either pulsing (say, 100 microseconds) or consistent anode current (up to several days, if desired), independent of spurious electron production in the X-ray tube. Additionally, means for assuring outgasing of an X-ray tube, particularly in the vicinity of the collimating and shielding means, surrounding the anode is disclosed.

Abstract: Radiographic images of high definition and clarity are produced quickly and with reduced radiation exposure of the subject by utilizing a scanning X-ray source in which a moving point source of X-rays is created by sweeping an electron beam in a raster pattern on a broad anode. A radiation detector having a very small radiation sensitive area is situated on the opposite side of the subject from the source. The output of the detector controls electron beam intensity within a cathode ray type display tube wherein the raster pattern is synchronized with that of the X-ray source to produce an image of internal structure of the subject. In some embodiments of the invention, the small radiation detector is mounted on a probe suitable for insertion into internal regions of a living body or into recesses in mechanical structure to be examined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing X-rays having any selected one of a plurality of specific different wavelength spectra greatly facilitates X-ray fluorescence analysis of samples to detect constituent elements. In the X-ray source, an electron beam is directed to any selectable one of an array of primary targets of different composition. X-rays from the selected primary target may be utilized directly or caused to impinge on any selected one of a plurality of secondary targets, which are also each of differing composition to cause the secondary target to emit a specific X-ray spectrum characteristic of that secondary target. Analysis of the X-ray fluorescence from a sample irradiated by a plurality of different specific selected X-ray spectra enables identification and measurement of particular chemical elements in the sample.

Abstract: A plurality of radiographic images of a subject are obtained simultaneously by situating the subject between a scanning x-ray source and an x-ray detector. The source has an electron beam which is swept through a raster pattern on a broad target to produce a moving x-ray origin point while the detector has an effective radiation sensitive area which is very small in relation to the raster pattern. The X-axis and Y-axis beam deflection signals which control the x-ray source are also transmitted to each of a plurality of x-y display oscilloscopes causing each oscilloscope to exhibit a raster pattern similar to that of the x-ray source. The light intensity control of each oscilloscope receives processed x-ray count signals from the detector so that a radiographic image of the scanned region of the subject is generated at the screen of each oscilloscope.

Abstract: An X-ray source provides for selective variations of the wavelength spectra or other characteristics of the X-ray output by including means for directing an electron beam to any selected one of a plurality of target-anodes. Beam energy may also be selectively adjusted. Beam position stabilization means respond to any change of beam energy by making compensating changes in the deflection signals so that the electron beam remains directed at a selected point on a selected target-anode in the presence of energy changes including both deliberate energy changes and variations resulting from random voltage fluctuations in the beam accelerating system. The beam position stabilization means may include a function generator to accommodate to a non-linear relationship between beam energy changes and the deflection signal changes required to maintain a selected beam trajectory.